Airlines say "nuts" to allergy sufferers
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 389
Likes: 0
From: moraira,spain-Norfolk, UK
anaphylactic shock
Having had this, I have deep sympathy for those affected.
When it happened to me, I recovered to hear a nurse repeating
my blood pressure, 10,20, 30, 40.....
A few seconds(minutes ?) before I had been chatting to her.
Lots of nasty side effects. I was lucky I was in hospital with
plumbed in monitoring. Surgeon looked extremely ill when I saw him. Funny enough I am not allergic to any
nut, but am to many other things (I know now).
When it happened to me, I recovered to hear a nurse repeating
my blood pressure, 10,20, 30, 40.....
A few seconds(minutes ?) before I had been chatting to her.
Lots of nasty side effects. I was lucky I was in hospital with
plumbed in monitoring. Surgeon looked extremely ill when I saw him. Funny enough I am not allergic to any
nut, but am to many other things (I know now).
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Northern Ireland
I suffer from a severe nut allergy and it's ridiculous that people are saying stuff like wear a mask or don't fly! How about don't serve nuts or allow them on board an aircraft full stop, because unlike me it won't kill people if they can't eat nuts for a few hours!
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 0
Likes: 0
From: Soon to be out of the EU.
Ammiexx: I sympathise. But on short haul your aircraft could be on its 8th flight of the day. The aircraft is not vacuumed between. Nuts could be in the carpet, seat pockets and fabric.
For example, the flight before you could have had someone chomping on nuts at your seat. They could have called and be trampled into the floor. Your bag is now contaminated. You reach for your bag in flight and get contaminated.
Your phone falls down the back of the seat. There's all sort collecting here, including crumbs, nuts and money. You reach for your now comtaminated phone.
It's easy to get contamianted. If it really was life or death then a simple surgical mask surely isn't too extreme.
I sympathise but I think people should be allowed to take onboard what they want. Fair enough if a sufferer has been identified don't allow them to be consumed but where does it end? There are so many allergies and 'trends' people follow. Before long we won't be allowed anything onboard.
Airlines should never be made to guarantee an allergen free environment. It's not practical.
For example, the flight before you could have had someone chomping on nuts at your seat. They could have called and be trampled into the floor. Your bag is now contaminated. You reach for your bag in flight and get contaminated.
Your phone falls down the back of the seat. There's all sort collecting here, including crumbs, nuts and money. You reach for your now comtaminated phone.
It's easy to get contamianted. If it really was life or death then a simple surgical mask surely isn't too extreme.
I sympathise but I think people should be allowed to take onboard what they want. Fair enough if a sufferer has been identified don't allow them to be consumed but where does it end? There are so many allergies and 'trends' people follow. Before long we won't be allowed anything onboard.
Airlines should never be made to guarantee an allergen free environment. It's not practical.
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 17,701
Likes: 2,045
From: Reading, UK
Gender Faculty Specialist
Joined: Mar 2002
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 2,321
Likes: 428
From: In your head.
My point is that, whilst nut allergy can be serious, I think that the general health of the flight crew trumps it.
I can't exactly organise a medical diversion due to anaphylaxis if I haven't eaten all day. Or perhaps I might pass out because of low blood sugar on short final.
Is that safer than one person dictating what I, as the captain, eat?
I can't exactly organise a medical diversion due to anaphylaxis if I haven't eaten all day. Or perhaps I might pass out because of low blood sugar on short final.
Is that safer than one person dictating what I, as the captain, eat?
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 3,423
Likes: 1
From: world
HeartyMeatballs, you are right of course. However, one shouldn't make light of the situation as some have here. Both my son and grandson suffer from peanut allergies. I know at first hand how so very careful we and they have to be. My son has twice been caught out. Once on a flight (hidden ingredient) and more recently in China when a frying pan used for frying eggs still had peanut oil residue from previous use! Although consumption can potentially kill them, their allergy is not severe enough that they can't be close to peanuts. I do however sympathise with those who are not so lucky.
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 3,423
Likes: 1
From: world
The answer to aviation safety: peanut butter sandwiches. 
So, as I understand then Chesty Morgan, it's peanut butter sarnies or nothing for you? I'm pretty sure that something else could be found to feed poor old you with!
So, as I understand then Chesty Morgan, it's peanut butter sarnies or nothing for you? I'm pretty sure that something else could be found to feed poor old you with!
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 0
Likes: 0
From: Soon to be out of the EU.
I'm not making light of the situation. Not at all. I'm merely pointing out inconsistencies in people's approach to their allergy. I also seek to educate those so that they're aware that a nut free aircraft is not possible.
What if someone doesn't speak the language of the crew? If they miss the PA and crack open the tub of Planters then it could be very dangerous.
Yet I've never seen a medical mask or gloves worn by a westerner onboard.
I do not support banning certain foods from aircraft as a whole. The gluten free zealots will be wanting all gluten items banned knowing how militant they can be.
What if someone doesn't speak the language of the crew? If they miss the PA and crack open the tub of Planters then it could be very dangerous.
Yet I've never seen a medical mask or gloves worn by a westerner onboard.
I do not support banning certain foods from aircraft as a whole. The gluten free zealots will be wanting all gluten items banned knowing how militant they can be.
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 3,423
Likes: 1
From: world
Are you saying I can't take any of that to work? Ever.
Gender Faculty Specialist
Joined: Mar 2002
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 2,321
Likes: 428
From: In your head.
Ah so you expect me to a) waste good food and b) spend more of my money. I can't just lift something from the trolley, that's illegal.
Again, I'm sure you are aware of the extensive list of foods which may contain nuts.
Again, I'm sure you are aware of the extensive list of foods which may contain nuts.
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 2,847
Likes: 0
From: Confoederatio Helvetica
Didn't Easyjet fire two cabin crew for pinching food? One of which had an allergy and the other senior one gave her something from on board supplies.
I suppose AA has decided that it is no longer in their interests to provide nut-free enviornments. As long as they are not the only one people will be able to book away if their particular circumstances warrent. But if the industry moves in lockstep then expect regulation.
I suppose AA has decided that it is no longer in their interests to provide nut-free enviornments. As long as they are not the only one people will be able to book away if their particular circumstances warrent. But if the industry moves in lockstep then expect regulation.
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 3,423
Likes: 1
From: world
Chesty Morgan (and ExXB). I was NOT implying stealing. It was, on reflection, the wrong choice of word because I forgot that some cheapskate airlines (which I never fly on) don't even provide snacks for their crews. In that case, purchase an alternative meal. It's not as if you would have to be doing it every flight for goodness sake. You are so intent on proving the world revolves around you Chesty Morgan that you have totally ignored anything else said about the subject matter. Your attitude still disgusts me!
